How to Make Cozy Fall Broth & Soup- 3 Easy Recipes
There’s something magical about a simmering pot of homemade broth on a crisp fall day. The steam carries the scent of fresh herbs, roasted vegetables, and warmth that feels like home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or it’s your first time making broth from scratch, this is the perfect season to give it a try. Not only is it a good way to use up veggie scraps and reduce food waste, but it’s also a great way to fill your kitchen with comfort and nutrition. Homemade broths and soups are rich in amino acids, full of depth of flavor, and easy to make with pantry ingredients you already have on hand. So grab your favorite stock pot or slow cooker—we’re about to create cozy, nourishing soups that will keep you warm all season long.
Why Homemade Broth & Soup is Worth It
Making homemade broth is one of the simplest, most rewarding things you can do in the kitchen. Not only does it fill your home with that cozy fall aroma we all love, but it’s also packed with natural amino acids, minerals, and nutrients that support a strong immune system. Whether you’re using chicken bones, veggie scraps, or even a leftover thanksgiving turkey, every batch becomes a delicious reminder of how easy it is to create something wholesome from scratch.
Plus, it’s a great way to cut down on food waste and save money compared to store-bought broths. You control everything—from the sodium content to the depth of flavor—and the result is always more comforting than anything poured from a carton. Once you start making your own, you’ll never look at store-bought chicken broth the same way again. Your cozy fall soups will have that rich, homemade taste that turns a simple dinner into pure comfort.
Essential Ingredients & Tools for Beginners
The best homemade soups start with simple, wholesome ingredients. Keep a few pantry ingredients on hand like onions, celery stalks, carrots, and fresh herbs such as thyme and bay leaves. These create the aromatic base that gives every good broth its comforting flavor. For protein, you can use a whole chicken, leftover chicken carcass, chicken parts, or even chicken feet for a richer, stronger flavor. If you prefer a meat-free option, vegetable scraps like onion peels, garlic ends, and sweet carrot tops work wonders for a flavorful soup.
When it comes to tools, a large pot, stock pot, or crock pot are all perfect for slow simmering. If you love convenience, try a pressure cooker or Instant Pot—they deliver that slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time. Store your finished broth in mason jars or freezer bags, or pour into ice cube trays for easy single servings during soup season.
Kitchen Hack: The next time you’re preparing dinner, don’t toss out those veggie scraps or herbs just yet! Instead of throwing them away or into compost, keep a dedicated freezer bag in your freezer and collect scraps throughout the week. Once it’s full, you’ll have everything ready for your next batch of homemade broth—a great way to reduce food waste and build layers of natural flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Basic Fall Broth
Making homemade broth is simpler than most people think—it just takes a little time, patience, and a few basic ingredients. The whole process feels like a cozy ritual once you get started.
1. Choose your base:
Decide whether you want a chicken bone broth, beef stock, brown stock, turkey stock, or a light vegetable broth. Using chicken bones, turkey bones, or even fish bones gives your broth a rich source of amino acids and nutrients.
2. Layer your flavors:
Start with aromatics like onions, celery stalks, carrots, and fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Add a little bit of sea salt and a splash of soy sauce for depth of flavor and natural seasoning.
3. Pick your cooking method:
A large pot on the stove works beautifully, but you can also use a slow cooker, crock pot, or Instant Pot for convenience. The longer it simmers, the more depth of flavor you’ll build. If you’re using bones, simmer for a long time—anywhere from 4 to 24 hours—for the best health benefits and a stronger, delicious broth.
4. Skim and strain:
Occasionally skim off any foam or chicken fat that rises to the top. Once done, pour your quarts of broth through a fine mesh strainer into mason jars or freezer bags.
5. Store it safely:
Let your broth cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. When stored in the refrigerator, your homemade chicken broth will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer bags or ice cube trays, where it will last up to 6 months without losing its depth of flavor. For even longer preservation, consider pressure canning—a great way to store your homemade soups and broths on a weekly basis or through the winter months. Interested in pressure canning your broth? Check out my blog “How to Preserve and Can Homemade Stock or Broth"
3 Cozy Fall Broth Recipes Using Your Ingredients
Once you’ve mastered the whole process of making homemade broth, it’s fun to experiment with variations that highlight favorite fall flavors. Here are three good ways to elevate your homemade soups foundation with minimal effort.
Recipe 1: Classic Chicken Bone Broth
This is a go-to recipe for anyone starting out. It’s nutrient-rich, full of amino acids, and a staple for healthy soup recipes.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken or 2–3 lbs chicken parts/chicken bones
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic
Fresh herbs: thyme, parsley, bay leaves
10 cups cups of water
Sea salt, to taste
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in a large pot, stock pot, or crock pot.
Cover with cups of water and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer 4–6 hours (or 1–2 hours in a pressure cooker/Instant Pot).
Skim occasionally to remove chicken fat or foam.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer into mason jars or freezer bags.
Tip: Freeze in ice cube trays for small portions — perfect for first batch or last batch use.
Recipe 2: Autumn Vegetable Broth
Perfect for a vegan-friendly option and a great way to use veggie scraps and reduce food waste.
Ingredients:
2 onions, quartered
3 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic
Vegetable scraps (peels, ends, leafy tops)
Fresh herbs: sage, thyme, parsley, bay leaves
10 cups cups of water
Sea salt, to taste
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a regular pot or slow cooker.
Cover with cups of water and bring to a boil, then simmer 1–2 hours.
Strain into containers, discarding solids or composting leftovers.
Tip: Add a splash of soy sauce for depth of flavor, or a pinch of cinnamon for favorite fall flavors.
Recipe 3: Hearty Bone & Turkey Stock
This favorite fall recipe uses leftover turkey bones and is perfect for winter months. It’s rich, flavorful, and full of nutrients for your immune system.
Ingredients:
1 leftover thanksgiving turkey carcass or turkey bones
2 onions, quartered
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
4 cloves garlic
Fresh herbs: thyme, bay leaves, parsley
12 cups cups of water
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in a large pot or crock pot.
Cover with water and simmer 6–12 hours (pressure cooker reduces time to 1–2 hours).
Skim off foam and chicken fat occasionally.
Strain, cool, and store in mason jars, freezer bags, or freeze in ice cube trays.
Tip: Use this homemade bone broth for healthy soup recipes, chicken noodle soup, or to add cup of broth richness to grains, beans, or sauces
Conclusion
Making homemade broth is a good way to add warmth, nutrition, and flavor to your fall meals. From a simple chicken bone broth to a hearty turkey stock, these recipes are perfect things to keep in your kitchen through the winter months. Once you try them, you’ll see why homemade broths and soups are the ultimate comforting soups for chilly evenings. Save your favorite recipes, share with friends, and enjoy the cozy ritual of simmering your own delicious broth — your kitchen will thank you!
